harmonica

noun

har·​mon·​i·​ca här-ˈmä-ni-kə 

1

: a small rectangular wind instrument with free reeds recessed in air slots from which tones are sounded by exhaling and inhaling

2

: glass harmonica

harmonicist

här-ˈmä-nə-sist 

noun

Examples of harmonica in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Though best known as a drummer, Ranken also contributed percussion, harmonica and occasional vocals to the band’s recordings and live performances. —Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 11 Feb. 2026

In addition to drums, Ranken played the harmonica and provided vocals for the group. —Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026

Folk-rock Ike Reilly Assassination frontman Ike Reilly opened the show with a 15-minute acoustic set; just a guitar, a harmonica and his son, Shane, singing tight harmonies against Reilly’s raspy lead. —Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 30 Jan. 2026

Opening with a melancholic harmonica that flirts with a country twang, the track feels unfiltered as Eric Aragón (real name) sings of regret and the sting of love gone wrong. —Natalia Cano, Billboard, 16 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Italian armonica, feminine of armonico harmonious

First Known Use

1762, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing harmonica

• glass harmonica

Rhymes for harmonica

• japonica
• veronica
• chronica
• hanukkah

Kids Definition

harmonica

noun

har·​mon·​i·​ca här-ˈmän-i-kə 

: a small musical instrument that is held in the hand and played by the mouth and that produces a sound through metal reeds which vibrate as air is blown or drawn past them